Slowdown expected in NZ tourism industry

The New Zealand tourism industry is expecting a negative response to the global financial turmoil, reports Radio New Zealand.

Experts have said, although numbers of New Zealand tourists have remained high, the numbers are expected to drop over the next year. They say, because holidays are usually booked well in advance, those holidaying now had planned their holiday before the global economy took a turn for the worse.

According to the news provider, bookings are currently down by 20 per cent, and the number of visitors from Britain and America (New Zealand’s biggest tourist markets after Australia) will drop also.

Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor will be hoping the new advertising campaign in the United Kingdom will work to counteract the damaging effects of the looming credit crunch and continue to entice British travellers to the see the natural beauty of New Zealand.

"With Tourism New Zealand's latest $7.3 million [launched last month in the UK], this is timely recognition that New Zealand continues to exceed the expectations of visitors from our second largest market,” Mr O’Connor said.

"Our ability to continue to compete with other countries will depend on delivering a better product than our competitors, ensuring we are environmentally, economically, socially and culturally sustainable," he added.

Many international visitors to New Zealand do not have to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa to holiday in the country. Australian citizens have visa-free entry to New Zealand, while British citizens can holiday in the country for up to 6 months on a New Zealand Visitor’s Permit. Nationals from countries part of the visa waiver agreement with New Zealand can visit the country for no more than three months without needing to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa.

The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people emigrate to New Zealand.